Moyes Reveals Speed Attempt

By Mark Heys
December 16 2005

Everton boss David Moyes has admitted that he tried to lure veteran midfielder Gary Speed back to Goodison Park prior to the Welshman leaving Newcastle United for Bolton in 2004.

The former Toffees captain and boyhood Evertonian played for the Blues between 1996 and 1998 making over 60 appearances in the process and Moyes has revealed that he wanted to bring Speed back to the club eighteen months ago.

"I rate Gary Speed very highly, I would have liked to have brought him back here before he went to Bolton."

"He has done really well there and been a good signing for them. Gary certainly does not play as a 36-year-old, that's for sure."

Speed seems likely to resume his place in the Wanderers starting line up tommorow afternoon after temporarily being demoted to the role of substitute during Wednesday's UEFA Cup draw against Sevilla.